Jorge Masvidal made his return to the UFC this weekend. However, having retired recently, Masvidal was instead present to inaugurate the next BMF champion. Rooting for his buddy Dustin Poirier, the former BMF champ was hyped for the fight. Unfortunately for Jorge, it ended up costing him a pretty penny.
Previously, UFC President Dana White had announced that the BMF title will be getting a new holder. As such, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje were deemed worthy opponents for the tie. As such, the two locked horns once again at UFC 291, but this time Gaethje secured the win with a stunning head kick KO.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the event, Masvidal shared his thoughts. “I’m making wagers that I probably shouldn’t,” Masvidal said. “I put $100,000 on D.P, on Dustin Poirier. Kids I’m sorry, you’ve got to go to public school now.” Despite the jokes, Masvidal was visibly heartbroken to see Poirier lose, however, he still commended Gaethje for a job well done.
Understandably, Masvidal had to carry out his duties despite the outcome. As such, he cut a reluctant figure, placing the belt on Gaethje’s shoulder instead of wrapping it around his waist. Enjoying his time away from the sport and as a promoter, it is likely that Dustin losing stung him a bit more than losing the $100k. “I’m just hurt,” Masvidal said. “I wanted my boy to get that belt.” With that said, Jorge is keen to see more from Gaethje as the new BMF in the future.
Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier’s friendship
For those unaware, Gamebred and Poirier share a close friendship. Not only did they train together at the American Top Team gym, but they also share a bond outside of fighting. Similar to Masvidal, Dustin also has a shared hatred for Colby Covington. Seeing that they all trained in the same place, Colby’s actions did not go down well with Poirier either.
Moreover, Covington has often passed disrespectful comments towards Poirier and his wife, Jolie Poirier. Thus, there have also been talks of a potential grudge match between Dustin and Colby in the future as well. No doubt, if the fight does actualize, Jorge will be right beside Dustin, helping him prepare for the same. In the past, Jorge has worked closely with Poirier, especially ahead of The Diamond‘s trilogy fight with Conor McGregor.
Ahead of UFC 264, Masvidal said the following about Poirier’s state coming into the fight. “He came in on fight shape on Week 1 and he’s looking phenomenal. He’s going to hurt somebody.” Of course, Poirier would then go on to win the fight, owing to The Notorious One suffering a devastating leg break. As for Jorge himself, he was also in talks to take on McGregor at one point. However, having retired from MMA, it is unlikely to happen.
With that said, Masvidal has stated that he is open to returning to fighting if it makes sense. Recently, he also reignited his feud with Ben Askren, calling his former foe for a boxing match this time around. While there is no word on whether it will happen or not, people will be happy to see that Masvidal has not ruled out a return to action just yet.
